Early season bait?

[dsitka]

Wonder what people use this early if they are bait fishing for stripers. What kind of artificials are producing?

[dsaavedra]

I've been having mixed success trolling jerkbaits like X-Raps and Yo Zuri's. Some days are hot others are virtually skunk trips. The fish are on the move this time of year, cruising up the bay to spawn so a spot that had a hot bite one day might be dead the next.

[ILV2F5H]

Legally blood worms are the ticket for some. But if you’re targeting stripers with live bait, can’t beat fresh herring except you can’t keep them. I’ve had some success with mullet found at Asian grocery stores. Later in the season, peeler crabs make good bait.

Artificially, jerkbaits and jigs with various weights depending on depth and current.

[dsitka]

Anyone using scent on their plugs? Thanks for the replies, I usually start out later in the season. I am used to chunk bunker and live lining as the seasons warm.